This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Commenting on the EU’s decision to freeze the assets of the Commercial Bank of Syria, the Foreign Secretary, William Hague, said:

“I welcome the EU’s decision today to freeze the assets of the Commercial Bank of Syria, and further increase the pressure on President Assad to put an immediate end to the regime’s violence. This measure will further constrict the regime’s financial activities and reduce its ability to repress and kill innocent civilians.

I have repeatedly made clear the importance of ensuring that our actions are targeted to minimise their impact on ordinary Syrians. The EU has been careful to ensure that the sanction against CBS does not curtail legitimate trade. Our sanctions are clearly aimed at those responsible for the violent repression in Syria and those who support or benefit from the regime. Assad is isolated internationally, he should step aside now.”

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